Feed your adrenaline cravings - rest & relaxation is overrated! Blackwater raft in Waitomo before you hit Rotorua. Try the Zorb then chill out in a Polynesian spa. Have a hāngi, go cruising on Lake Taupo & head to the adventure Capital of the World, Queenstown where you’ll take a spin on the Shotover Jet! Ever tried bungy jumping, sky diving, canyon swinging? Now's the time! Experience Queenstown's legendary nightlife before farewelling your new friends.

Top Offers & Trip Notes

Itinerary + Inclusions & ME Time Optionals

ME Time Optionals

ME Time optionals will take your trip to a whole new level with unforgettable experiences unique to the places you
visit. See more, do more, live more & go home completely regret-free. Costs for these aren’t included in your
tour cost & are payable to your Trip Manager in local currency.

Inclusions

On our trips we don't just take you to the destinations, we make sure you get under the skin of every place you visit. From amazing food & accommodation, to exclusive access to incredible experiences, with Contiki you'll get unbeatable value & a completely unique travel experience.

1
Arrive Auckland

Arrive in Auckland & check into the Mercure Hotel Auckland from 2:00pm. The rest of the afternoon is free for you to explore! Meet your fellow travelers & Tour Manager this evening.

Hotel

2
Auckland to Waitomo

Kia Ora! Meet up with your Contiki Crew in Auckland, New Zealand’s largest and most cosmopolitan city. Surrounded by volcanoes, islands and a stunning harbour, you’ll soon understand why this is the “City of Sails” and was once home to the America’s Cup.

We drive through the lush farmlands of Waikato – an area that produces many of New Zealand’s best rugby players for the All Blacks. On the way we'll stop off for an included visit at Otorohanga's Kiwi House to check out New Zealand's national bird. This shy creature only comes out at night - the nocturnal enclosures at the Kiwi House mean you're guaranteed to see one. If you're lucky you'll also get to spot a tuatara - a true 'living fossil' reptile that pre-dates the dinosaurs!

Next up is Waitomo and the Waitomo Caves. Famous for their incredible limestone formations and glowworms, the caves are a stunning subterranean world. You’ll see the Glowworm Grotto, where the cave roof is covered with twinkling insects. For adventure, you can head deeper into the caves in an optional activity and see them either on foot or by tubing down an underground river.

Tonight, it’s a true Kiwi BBQ dinner and a visit to a typical country pub. Kick back with your friends and some of the locals. Maybe try out the local beer – it’s good!

Dinner

Enjoy a traditional Kiwi BBQ or pub dinner (seasonal)

Ruakuri Caves Tour

NZ$65

Black Water Rafting

NZ$125

Waitomo Caves Tour

NZ$45

3
Waitomo to Rotorua

This morning, we stop at the Agrodome farm show for an interactive introduction into farming and agriculture, which is New Zealand’s main industry. You’ll see sheep-shearing and watch an impressive sheepdog demo. These dogs are highly-trained and skilled at controlling livestock.

For some crazy ‘Kiwi ingenuity’, try our zorbing optional. It’s an activity where you get inside a huge plastic ball and roll down a 200m hill, either by yourself or with a friend.

Later, we pull into Rotorua, famous for its spurting geysers, boiling mud pools, hot springs and ‘interesting’ sulfur smell.

Rotorua is an important hub of Maori culture. To recognise this, we have an optional authentic cultural experience, complete with a fantastic Maori hāngi dinner and traditional dance concert. Some of the foods you can try from the hāngi are sweet potato and chicken cooked on hot rocks in an underground pit – just as they have been for centuries. Listen to stories, songs and chants while learning about ancient Maori mythology and beliefs.

Hotel
Breakfast,Dinner

Guided tour of the 'Sulfur City', Rotorua

Traditional Maori hāngi dinner & dance performance

Ogo

Ranges from NZ$35

Skyline Gondola and Luge Rides

NZ$29

Rainbow Springs

NZ$35

4
Rotorua

This morning, get an insider look at New Zealand’s unique Maori culture & history as we tour Rotorua’s famous Ohinemutu Village with our expert local guide. You’ll learn all about the history of the Maori people, their customs & traditions, plus have the opportunity to ask questions & learn as much as possible about this amazing spot – it’s the perfect way to get in the know.

With the rest of the day free to explore the way you want, you can advantage of the city's awesome thermal environment & treat yourself to a spa treatment or massage. Our tip: With so much buzz around the amazing thermal mud treatments found here, we love picking up some products to take home as a gift (or for ourselves!). There are loads of other ways to spend your time too if adrenalin is more your thing, like getting views of the city from a gondola, then speeding down a hill on a luge, or getting a splash as you raft the Kaituna River – the options for things to keep you busy in Rotorua are endless.

Or, if chilling out is more of what you’re into, then or hit up a café for a flat white coffee or make tracks to the shops for a spending spree.

Hotel
Breakfast

'The Incredible Race' Rotorua

Hobbiton Movie Set Tours

NZ $110

Whakarewarewa Thermal Village

NZ $35

Te Puia (Maori Arts & Crafts Institute)

NZ$39

Kaitiaki Rafting

NZ$99, NZ$109

NZone Skydiving

9,000ft NZ$269, 12,000ft NZ$329, 15,000ft NZ$429

Rotorua Canopy Tours

NZ$139

Mt. Tarawera Trek

NZ$149

5
Rotorua to Lake Taupo

On the way to Taupo, a visit to the raging Huka Falls will impress. Tonnes of water surge over these falls at a rate of 220,000 litres (58 000 gallons) per second.

It’s only a short drive today to the popular low-key resort town of Taupo. Here, there’s some of the best trout fishing in the country and some of the most amazing long-distance views of Tongariro National Park’s three volcanic peaks.

Cap off your day with our optional dinner cruise out on New Zealand’s largest lake – Lake Taupo - where you can also have a go at fishing!

Later, back on land, play some pool at one of Taupo’s lakeside bars.

Hotel
Breakfast

See Rotorua's bubbling geothermic mud pools

Visit the mighty Huka Falls

View Lake Taupo, New Zealand's largest lake

Dinner / Party Cruise

NZ$75

Hukafalls Jet

NZ$115

Rock'n Ropes Adventure Course

NZ$65

Taupo Bungy

Bungy NZ$169, Swing NZ$119

Taupo Tandem Skydiving

From NZ$249

6
Lake Taupo to Wellington

Spot the dramatic volcanic landscapes that were used as backdrops in "The Lord of the Rings" films today, when we drive past World Heritage-listed Tongariro National Park. The park is also home to the still active volcano, Mt. Ruapehu, which doubles as NZ’s biggest ski field.

Next stop – the capital city of Wellington. It’s the country’s political centre and cultural core with funky shops, fringe festivals, galleries, as well as a huge amount of cool café
s and bars.

The peak of Mt Victoria gives an amazing overview of the windy city. Take in the sweeping views of pretty beaches, narrow streets, and weather-worn Victorian houses.

Tonight, enjoy an optional dinner with the group in the heart of the downtown area, which has a great, lively atmosphere and plenty of cutting edge restaurants and bars.

Hotel
Breakfast

Dramatic drive along the Desert Road, through the volcanic landscape made famous in "The Lord of the Rings"

See the active volcano Mt. Ruapehu

Orientation tour of Wellington, including Mt. Victoria

VIP entry to one of Wellington's hottest nightspots

Optional Dinner

NZ$29

7
Wellington

You’ve got a full day to discover Wellington – its compact centre is perfect for exploring on foot.

Walk alongside the harbour or visit the innovative Te Papa Museum for a look into New Zealand history and culture.

You could take a walk around New Zealand’s political heart by visiting some of its government buildings. Take in the iconic ‘Beehive’ building & its distinctive shape, which was specially designed to cope in case of an earthquake.

You could hang out on alternative Cuba Street, watch street performers or rummage through some of the surrounding retro stores. If you’re hungry, try out some of the great ethnic foods you can find in this multi-cultural city, like sushi, Thai, kebabs and Italian gelatos.

For something different, learn about the age-old art of tattooing at the Tattoo Museum. From traditional Maori moko (face tattoos) through to colourful contemporary designs. There’s even a tattoo parlour on site if you’re game!

Hotel
Breakfast

See more of the sights made famous in the "The Lord of the Rings"

Kapiti Quad Bikes

NZ$165

Seal Coast Safaris

NZ$109

Wairarapa Wine Escape

NZ$189

Lord of the Rings Tour(s)

NZ$95/$189

8
Wellington to Hanmer Springs

Amazing views are at your fingertips this morning, so grab your camera for great pics as we cruise the iconic Marlborough Sounds. This world renowned spot is simply gorgeous, so keep your eyes peeled for tiny boats, traditional Kiwi ‘batches’ (holiday houses) as you cruise the water between the two islands. On arrival in cute seaside Picton, we’ll hit the road to Hanmer via Kaikoura (keep your eyes peeled for seals along the stunning coastline).

On arrival in Hanmer Springs it’s not hard to see why this little alpine hotspot is a New Zealand favourite. This tiny town is famous for its legendary hot pools – so we include it for you. A night at the pools is the perfect way to unwind & the views of the Southern Alps whilst you chill is truly relaxing at its best.

We stop by "The Garden City" for a sightseeing tour before heading over Arthurs Pass, following an old trade route. The dense native forest, alpine atmosphere and crystal clear rivers give the area its pioneer feel.

We’ll stop in at the former gold rush town of Hokitika on the West Coast. It’s great for a look into a traditional Maori art. Watch authentic carvers work with New Zealand greenstone (jade) and learn about the importance of this stone. You could even pick up a piece to take home.

Sticking to the untamed coastline, we arrive in the Westland National Park.

Franz Josef is our stop for the night, a town where lush bush land and glaciers almost reach the sea.

Lodge
Breakfast,Dinner

Scenic drive across the Southern Alps

Stop at Arthurs Pass

See a demonstration of traditional Maori greenstone carving

Chill out at our legendary theme party

10
Franz Josef Glacier

This morning, get physical and pull on your crampons, grab an ice-pick and head out onto the ice of either the Franz Josef or Fox Glacier. On this optional activity, you’ll learn about how these glaciers came about with our professional Local Guides.

Otherwise, you can get a bird’s eye view over these icy formations and sweeping vistas in an optional helicopter ride.

Lodge
Breakfast

Helihike

NZ$409

Valley Walk

NZ$75

Franz Josef Glacier Heli

NZ$195

Franz Josef / Fox Glacier Heli

NZ$280

Mt. Cook / Franz / Fox Heli - Grand Tour

NZ$390

Mt. Cook (western face) / Fox and Franz Heli

NZ$340

Ice Explorer

NZ$305

Across Country Quad Bikes

Riders NZ$159 / Passengers NZ$69

Glacier Country Kayaks

NZ$115

11
Franz Josef Glacier to Queenstown

Relax on the coach, chat with friends and take in the stunning scenery of the Haast Pass & Thunder Creek Falls as we head down to Queenstown.

Cruise past remote beaches and the coastal dunes of the west coast before hitting Haast Pass. Ancient rainforests, small glaciers and waterfalls give this area its unique atmosphere. There’s even more scenery changes when we cross the Southern Alps and enter the region of Otago, with its golden grasslands, cliffs and hills.

Next up: Queenstown, the adventure capital of the world. This is one high-energy destination that has something for everyone. From jet boat rides to fantastic local food, gorgeous countryside and the world’s most southern wineries, the list really is endless.

Hotel
Breakfast

Drive through Haast Pass & see Thunder Creek Falls

Explore tiny Arrowtown

12
Queenstown

This morning, you’ll take a ride on ‘The world’s most exciting jetboat’ the iconic Shotover Jet! Hold on tight - speeding down the Shotover River on a jetboat amongst the fierce canyon walls (so close you could probably touch them) is a thrilling experience & getting a pic to take home of the group in action is a must. Next up, legendary Queenstown! This traveller favourite is world renowned as the home of action & adrenalin & needs no introduction – your time here is guaranteed to be epic, no matter what you choose to do.

The nightlife here is equally as awesome as its adrenalin fixes & with VIP entry to one of the town’s hottest nightspots you're sure the start the night out right.

Hotel
Breakfast

Set your pulse racing with a hair-raising ride on the Shotover Jet

VIP entry to one of Queenstown's hottest nightspots

Group Photograph

NZ$18

13-14
Queenstown

With two more days here, you’ve got time to try out adrenaline-pumping activities, to take it easy with a glass of local wine or beer and of course, to party – something Queenstown is known for.

There’s also the option to take advantage of our explore more highlight optional – your chance to experience the stunning Milford Sound.

Milford Sound is one of New Zealand’s gems. This slice of paradise has been voted one of the world’s top destinations & is known around the world for its gorgeous waters & stunning scenery. Set in Fiordland National Park, Milford Sound is a UNESCO World Heritage listed site so get ready for the epic scenery – high mountains rise straight out of the sea and waterfalls pour down sheer cliffs into the deep, dark waters of the fiord.

You’ll get the ultimate angle on this natural wonder from the water when we cruise – you’ll learn about this jaw-droppingly beautiful region from the on-board nature specialist. You’ll get a really good look around the area and up close to its more hidden spots.

You can chill out and enjoy the scenery on deck & hopefully you’ll get a chance to spot seals, dolphins, whales and penguins.

Choose to take a coach over, then jump on a boat & cruise this stunning spot then head back to Queenstown on the coach. Or, if you’re feeling up for it, there’s the option to fly back to Queenstown too.

Walk around the quaint town, hit the shops or head down to the lake for beautiful views of the surrounding mountain ranges, fittingly called The Remarkables. Board the old steam boat, the TSS Earnslaw, for a lake cruise and see it all from the water.

For adrenaline junkies, there’s bungy jumpy, sky diving, jet boating, canyon swinging and quad biking. In fact there are so many adventure activities in Queenstown that you couldn’t do them all in the 2 days if you tried. For those who like to keep their feet planted firmly on the ground, take an easy-going hike or push yourself with a tougher trail.

Pumping at night, Queenstown is the place to hit some of New Zealand’s best bars and clubs. With cool cocktail bars, old-style pubs and plenty of clubs, there is so much to choose from.

HotelHotel
Breakfast,Breakfast,Dinner

NZone Skydiving

9,000 ft. NZ$299/ 12,000 ft. NZ$339/ 15,000 ft. NZ$439

Milford Sound

NZ$159

AJ Hackett Bungy - Thrillogy

NZ$399

AJ Hackett Bungy - Nevis

NZ$275

AJ Hackett Bungy - The Ledge

NZ$195

AJ Hackett Skyswing - Nevis Arc

NZ$195

AJ Hackett Skyswing - The Ledge

NZ$160

Kawarau or Shotover Rafting

NZ$199

Heliraft

NZ$289

Walter Peak Horse Riding

NZ$115

Dart River Wilderness Safari

NZ$209

Paradise Safari Scenic Adventure

NZ$139

Routeburn Trail Hike

NZ$259

Skippers Gold 4WD & Jetboat

$179

Minus 5 Ice Bar

NZ $25

Funyaks

NZ$309

Skyline Restaurant

NZ$79

Nomad Safaris: Safari of the Scenes

NZ$175

Canyon Swing

NZ$199

Ziptrek Ecotours

From NZ$135

Queenstown Wine Trail

NZ$139

15
Finish Queenstown

The tour ends this morning and it’s time to say goodbye to your new friends & Contiki crew.